1978 Opel Senator vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Senator would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 254 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Opel Senator is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Opel Senator. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Opel Senator (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Senator | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
